Page 159 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

182.

KE ARS L E Y S C H 0 0 L

the function.

On Monday 24th January 1916, the teacher, Mr. John Algie and the
seventy (70) pupils assembled at the old school. Due to the very poor con-
dition of the building and knowing of the official opening on the previous
Saturday, the teacher took his pupils to the new school instead.

The construction of the new school had also emphasised the necessity
for the construction of a teacher's residence. The Government Architect con-
sidered that Stock Plan No. 2, a small four-roomed cottage and a kitchen should
cost £450.0.0. ($900.00). When tenders were called, six (6) contractors sub-
mitted prices ranging fr0m £526.5.6. ($1,052.56) to £743.0.0. ($1,486.00). The
successful contractor was Mr. Walter L. Morris of Seargeant Street, Cessnock.
He constructed the residence and on 17th February 1917, it was ready for occupanc:

Mr. Charles Sullivan, the Headmaster, on 22nd April 1918, made
application for the school to be supplied with manual training benches. The
Education Department approved. Inspector James directed that two spare benches
should be sent from Gillieston School to Kearsley School.

As in many areas, the school was the only suitable building in a
community for the holding of functions. On 13th March 1919, Mr. Joseph Sumner,
Secretary of Kearsley Progress Association, sought permission from the Education
Department to use Kearsley School to hold concerts to raise funds to "Welcome
Home Soldiers". For such a patriotic cause, th~ request was granted.

Some minor repairs were made to the teacher's residence by the
Education Department work staff on 23rd August 1919. The costs were assessed
at £33.9.3. ($66.93).

When the Hunter District Water Board mains . were laid to Kearsley on
18th February 1919, and the laying of reticulation pipes commenced, the Kearsley
Progress Committee immediately pressed the Education Department to connect both
the school and the residence. The Department called for quotes for the
connections. Two were received:-

(A) 13th November 1919
Mr. J. Martin, Plumber, Maitland Road, Cessnock.
School - £14.15.0. ($29.50)
Residence - £11. 1.0. ($23.10)